July 13, 2020 10.53 am
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Peaceful, but smaller second BLM protest in Cleethorpes
Organisers said around 80 people attended
The event organiser said around 80 people attended the Black Lives Matter protest in Cleethorpes on July 12. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
Around 80 people gathered for the second Black Lives Matter protest in Cleethorpes on Sunday and organisers hope to plan further marches in other areas of Lincolnshire.
The first march in the coastal town on June 13 was largely peaceful, but police did have to intervene by keeping away an opposing smaller group and even had to pepper-spray them to get them to back off.
The latest protest on July 12 was attended by significantly fewer people than the first protest, but organisers were still happy with the turnout and said the event went smoothly and without trouble.
Hope Not Hate North East Lincolnshire gathered at Lakeside Car Park for the protest. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
The group gathered for the second Black Lives Matter Protest in Cleethorpes this summer. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
The newly-renamed Hope Not Hate North East Lincolnshire gathered at Lakeside Car Park for the second protest at 3pm after feeling their voices hadn’t been listened to enough.
Group founder Brian Milne told Lincolnshire Reporter that an hour before the protest police called him to ask that they march to Cleethorpes Boating Lake, where an area had been coned off for them, instead of to Brighton slipway.
A group opposing the protest had threatened to “stick them on the beach again”, who Brian heard had met at The Wellow pub so they avoided that area.
The group wanted to make their voices heard again. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
The group stood up for a cause it firmly believes in at the Black Lives Matter protest in Cleethorpes on July 12. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
Brian said there was a smaller police presence than expected, but was happy that the event stayed peaceful.
He said: “Some were scared off from attending by the fear of the counter protest and two that were meant to give speeches didn’t because of it.
“The protest went really well and there was a lot of positivity there. Someone from the Lincoln march team spoke as did a local business owner and we had around eight speeches, with the key point of wanting racism to stop in the town.”
The event organiser said the protest went really well and there was a lot of positivity there. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
He added that the group is planning further protests in the future in Brigg, Market Rasen and Scunthorpe.
The group is also in the process of setting up an education team and getting them DBS checks so they can go into schools, colleges and universities to give speeches about the issue of racism.
Paul Anderson, Assistant Chief Constable at Humberside Police, said: “I am pleased to say that the weekend’s protests in Hull and Cleethorpes were both peaceful. I would like to say thank you to the event organisers and those that attended for protesting peacefully.”
The group are trying to stamp out racism in the Lincolnshire town. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
It wasn’t as busy as the first protest, but organisers were still happy with the turnout. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
“Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere”. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
People held up their key messages as they marched at the Black Lives Matter protest in Cleethorpes. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
Hope Not Hate North East Lincolnshire marching to make their voices heard at the Black Lives Matter Protest in Cleethorpes. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
People gathering ready for the march at the Black Lives Matter protest in Cleethorpes. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
Another of the speakers at the event. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
There were around eight speeches at the BLM protest in Cleethorpes on July 12. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
Speaking out about issues of racism. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
The event was organised by Hope Not Hate North East Lincolnshire. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
People gathered ahead of the Black Lives Matter protest in Cleethorpes. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: